Regulation of Actin Dynamics in the <i>C. elegans</i> Somatic Gonad

Abstract

The reproductive system of the hermaphroditic nematode C. elegans consists of a series of contractile cell types—including the gonadal sheath cells, the spermathecal cells and the spermatheca–uterine valve—that contract in a coordinated manner to regulate oocyte entry and exit of the fertilized embryo into the uterus. Contraction is driven by acto-myosin contraction and relies on the development and maintenance of specialized acto-myosin networks in each cell type. Study of this system has revealed insights into the regulation of acto-myosin network assembly and contractility in vivo.

Keywords

• actin cytoskeleton
• <i>C. elegans</i>
• spermatheca
• sheath
• contractility